Corpus Christi Carpets - Celebration in Petrópolis - Rio de Janeiro

Last June 15th the Catholic Church celebrated Corpus Christi and Petrópolis showed all its devotion during the masses, on the carpets through the streets of the city and the religious processions. Petrópolis is considered very Catholic, with lots of churches and one huge neogothic cathedral dedicated to St. Peter in the middle of the city. It also has several private Catholic schools, and some important monasteries and priest seminars.

Nikon D3400, 55mm, f/6.3, 1/100s, ISO-500

In Corpus Christi in Petrópolis usually kids and adolescents, guided by a group of adults, build the carpets on the streets over which the religious procession will pass. There are also some groups of adolescents that are responsible for the drawings and arts that will appear on the religious path. These groups are also devoted to social causes in the city such as homeless care and animal rescue.

Nikon D3400, 55mm, f/4, 1/250s, ISO-400

Unfortunately, as Petrópolis receives lots of rain precipitation, the carpet must be built near the procession so it won't be damaged by the water. And here the weather changes all of a sudden. We can't trust that much in the weather forecast, as the city is in the middle of a forest and rain is always marking the place somehow.

Nikon D3400, 55mm, f/6.3, 1/100s, ISO-560

This year the celebration seemed a little smaller and really quick but the sentiment of union in love, no matter what religion we are in or which God or Energy we believe, was strong! I myself am not Catholic but I felt really happy and every year I visit the streets to see the carpets and the work of everyone. The most important to me is to join the loving flow and vibrate in love to everyone, being just one soul!

Nikon D3400, 18mm, f/6.3, 1/100s, ISO-400